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The onset of summer and the preoccupation with attaining that perfect beach body, prompts many young women to start dieting.

In fact, each year, three out of five 18-24-year old women say they actively try to lose weight. Yet only half succeed.

The failure rate of diets, particularly the extreme 'bikini-count-down' types, is something that concerns dietician and exercise physiologist Caitlin Reid.

Founder of the Health and the City program, Caitlin attributes failure rates largely to the restrictive and fatigue-inducing nature of summer diets.

"When you are low in iron, you can feel tired, unwell and unmotivated to exercise and eat healthily. A higher protein nutrient-rich diet may well be the solution for young women wanting to look good and feel good this summer," says Caitlin.

Caitlin says the protein-rich foods help increase satiety and provide critical nutrients including iron and zinc which are important for producing energy and fighting infection. Here are her diet tips for successful long-term eating.

Tips for diet success

Be calorie-wise when drinking

Guzzling down too much alcohol leads to excess kilojoules and poor food choices, both of which contribute to weight gain.

Choose drinks lower in kilojoules such as a shot of spirits mixed with soda water or diet soft drink.

Alternate your alcoholic beverage with water.

Boost your iron intake

Being low in iron can lead to feelings of fatigue and reduce your motivation to exercise and eat healthily.

Protein-rich foods also help to keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the likely hood of overeating